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Transfusion-transmitted hepatitis E in a 'nonhyperendemic' country
E Boxall1, A Herborn, G Kochethu
1National Blood Service, Vincent Drive, Birmingham, UK. elizabeth.boxall@heartofengland.nhs.uk
Transfusion Medicine (Oxford, England)
|April 21, 2006
Summary
Hepatitis E (HEV) can spread through blood transfusions in the UK, even without overseas travel. This case highlights the risk of transfusion-transmitted HEV from indigenous infections.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Transfusion Medicine
- Virology
Background:
- Indigenous hepatitis E (HEV) is an emerging concern in developed nations, often linked to zoonotic transmission.
- The potential for transfusion-transmitted HEV in non-endemic regions is not fully understood.
Observation:
- A case of transfusion-transmitted hepatitis E occurred in the UK.
- The infected blood donor had no recent travel history, suggesting an indigenous source.
- Hepatitis E was transmitted to one of two recipients, likely the one receiving a larger plasma volume.
Findings:
- This represents the first documented case of post-transfusion hepatitis E in the UK.
- Molecular analysis confirmed identical HEV subgenomic sequences in the donor and infected recipient.
- The findings indicate that HEV indigenous to non-hyperendemic countries can be transmitted via blood transfusion.
Implications:
- Blood transfusion services must be vigilant for transfusion-transmitted hepatitis E, even in donors without travel history.
- Enhanced donor screening and reporting of post-donation illnesses are crucial for preventing HEV transmission.
- This case underscores the importance of considering indigenous HEV as a potential transfusion risk in developed countries.